This piece of underhand work was in due time discovered by the States, who saw that their allies were not to be trusted and that they must be on the watch lest their interests should be sacrificed to the selfish policy of France.

The issue showed that Henry IV was in fact ready to make terms with Spain, as soon as it was to his advantage to do so.

Meanwhile in 1597 the French king, by advancing in force into Picardy, drew upon this frontier the chief attention of the Spaniards; and Maurice seized the opportunity that was offered to him to conduct an offensive campaign with signal success.
He began the year brilliantly by surprising in January, while still in its winter quarters, a Spanish force of 4500 near Turnhout.

More than half the force was destroyed.

On the side of the Netherlands eight men only fell.